The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) continued its series of regular consultative meetings with key stakeholders on Day 2 of engagements, with leaders of registered political parties across the country.
In his opening remarks, the INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, provided a comprehensive update on upcoming electoral activities, including the scheduling of bye-elections, the resumption of Continuous Voter Registration (CVR), and preparations for the Anambra State Governorship election.
Prof. Yakubu announced that INEC has fixed Saturday, August 16, 2025, for the conduct of bye-elections in 16 constituencies across 12 states of the federation. The elections will involve 3,553,659 registered voters across 32 Local Government Areas, 356 Wards, and 6,987 Polling Units. The Commission plans to deploy 30,451 election officials for the exercise.
However, the Commission stated that bye-elections will not hold in Khana II State Constituency in Rivers State, due to the ongoing state of emergency, and in Talata Mafara South State Constituency in Zamfara State, owing to a legal dispute regarding the declared vacancy by the State Assembly.
Prof. Yakubu emphasized the tight timeline for conducting the bye-elections, noting that party primaries are to be held from July 17 to 21, 2025, while submission of nomination forms via the INEC portal will begin at 9:00 a.m. on July 22 and close at 6:00 p.m. on July 26. Public campaigns are scheduled to run from August 2 to August 14, 2025.
The INEC Chairman also revealed that the Commission has approved the resumption of CVR at two levels: state-specific and nationwide.
In Anambra State, ahead of the forthcoming governorship election, CVR will take place in all 326 Wards from July 8 to 17, 2025, running daily from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., including weekends.
